About Us

We transform your events into extraordinary experiences that you’ll remember.

How Dinner with a Chef started…

In 2014, founder Chef Andres Hinojosa noticed a shift in dining. Restaurants felt impersonal, prioritizing efficiency over experience. Gone were the days of attentive service and genuine care. Diners with allergies, dietary restrictions, or simply unique palates needed something more – an experience built just for them, not just another table number. This frustration sparked the vision for Dinner with a Chef, where personalization is our passion.

A New Chapter of Culinary Excellence

Building on the strong foundation and vision established by Chef Andres, long-time Executive Chef Daniel Furdui has officially acquired Dinner with a Chef as its new owner and lead operator. Having worked alongside Chef Andres to craft unforgettable dining memories over the years, Chef Daniel is dedicated to preserving the exceptional quality, personalized service, and culinary artistry our clients love, while ushering the company into an exciting new era.

Where Dining

Becomes Personal.

Our vision at Dinner with a Chef is dining that transcends simply dining. We want you to have an evening filled with laughter around the table, accompanied by delicious food crafted for you and your guests. Every moment is one to be celebrated that creates lasting memories. Dinner with a Chef isn’t just about convenience, it’s about creating unforgettable culinary experiences personalized to your unique desires.

Our Team

Andres Hinojosa

Founder

I became a “Chef” because I love what food and dining are all about. It was my grandma “Ya-Ya” who showed me so much love through food. The way a pot of her soup made me feel when I didn’t feel so good. Or the nostalgia of her freshly baked bread in the morning, reminding me how good life is. In those moments my memories are crystal clear.

I found my way working through high end hotels in Chicago, San Francisco, and San Diego after finsihing culinary school. The Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, and Grand Del Mar Hotels allowed me to see the refined aspect of food and dining. Though I learned a lot about refinement in these establishments, I still felt a desire to translate that same emotion my grandmother gave me early on to people.

My true passion is the love of serving people in every aspect. I hope that I have the opportunity to serve you soon!

Daniel Furdui

Owner & Executive Chef

Daniel Furdui began his career in a Neapolitan restaurant located in Rome, Italy. Daniel’s specialties were Roman and southern-Italian dishes. He has also become a master at the art of pizza making and the use of wood-burning ovens.

Daniel’s love of cooking and passion for being a “pizzaiolo” followed him all the way to the United States in 2013. He has helped launch a new restaurant in Wisconsin where he was the Executive Chef and Head Pizzaiolo. He has also gained experience with Latin and Modern American cuisines, and has had the privilege to work under the great Chef Jason White in Chicago. Chef Daniel over time has developed a rustic and traditional style of cooking, enhanced by innovative flair. His style is best described as Artisanal.

Chef Daniel shares the same passion that is at the Core of Dinner with a Chef. He truly has a desire to serve you with everything he has!

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Everything Was Above My Expectations!

My guests have not stopped raving about the delicious 4 course meal. And there's more...the kitchen was clean when the party was over. What more can a girl ask for!  

- Karen A.

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Amazing Experience!

Andres and his team made our party the best ever. All the food was tasty and delicious and the service was excellent. Everything they did was top notch...

- Joan L.    

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Everything Was Above My Expectations!

My guests have not stopped raving about the delicious 4 course meal. And there's more...the kitchen was clean when the party was over. What more can a girl ask for!  

- Karen A.

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Five Stars To Dinner With A Chef!

"Dinner With A Chef" makes entertaining a pleasure! Andres, our chef, made preparing a delicious menu look effortless. My guests loved the meal...

- Terry F.